Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Contemporary

 

The University of Illinois Chamber Singers is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over six decades. The group was founded in 1948 by John Finley Williamson, who was the director of the School of Music at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at the time. The ensemble was initially formed as a small group of 16 singers, but it has since grown to become one of the most respected choral groups in the world. The University of Illinois Chamber Singers has a rich history of excellence in choral music. The group has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. They have also toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, performing in countries such as Germany, Austria, Italy, and France. One of the highlights of the University of Illinois Chamber Singers' career was their performance at the 1993 American Choral Directors Association National Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The group was selected to perform as one of only six choirs from across the country, and their performance was met with critical acclaim. The group has also been invited to perform at numerous other national and international choral festivals and competitions, including the International Choral Festival in Cork, Ireland, and the World Symposium on Choral Music in Sydney, Australia. The University of Illinois Chamber Singers has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In 1999, the group was awarded the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America, which is given annually to a choir that has made significant contributions to the choral art. The group has also won numerous awards at choral competitions, including first place at the International Choral Competition in Tolosa, Spain, and the Grand Prix at the Florilège Vocal de Tours in France. The University of Illinois Chamber Singers is known for their exceptional musicianship and versatility. The group performs a wide range of choral music, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works. They have also collaborated with numerous composers and conductors, including John Rutter, Morten Lauridsen, and Eric Whitacre. The University of Illinois Chamber Singers is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The group is directed by Andrew Megill, who has been the director of choral activities at the university since 2015. Megill is a highly respected conductor and has worked with numerous choral groups throughout his career, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Westminster Choir. In addition to their performances, the University of Illinois Chamber Singers is also committed to music education and outreach. The group regularly performs at local schools and community events, and they have also conducted workshops and masterclasses for choral groups across the country. Overall, the University of Illinois Chamber Singers is a world-class choral ensemble that has made significant contributions to the choral art. Their exceptional musicianship, versatility, and commitment to music education have made them one of the most respected choral groups in the world.

More....